Laurie McLaughlin passed away peacefully at her home on the ranch on Thursday July 25, 2024. Her loving husband of 72 years was by her side. She was 93 years of age.
Lauretta Hazel Mulloy was born east of Angora, Nebraska on December 22, 1930 to Francis “Frank” and Mary (Eichthaler) Mulloy.
After graduation from Alliance High School in 1948, she attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching.
E.L. “Bud” and Laurie were united in marriage on April 19, 1952 in Colorado. To this union, three children were born.
Laurie loved being a ranch wife, working alongside Bud, raising their children, and spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was not uncommon to find her in the hay field during the summer.
She was an active member and volunteered countless hours at the United Methodist Church in Alliance. She enjoyed participating in the bake sales and attended many church functions.
Laurie enjoyed cooking large meals for family gatherings, sewing, baking, gardening, and canning. An avid and talented lover of art, Laurie enjoyed painting and sketching. Her favorite subjects to sketch included Bud, horses, cattle, and anything pertaining to ranch life. Laurie spent a number of summers teaching Red Cross swimming lessons, where she would donate her earnings back to the Alliance swimming pool.
Laurie had a wonderful career as a second grade school teacher. After 29 years of teaching at Central School in Alliance, she retired. She spent the next several years substitute teaching. Her presence in the Alliance Public School system was impactful and appreciated.
Laurie is survived by her husband Bud, her 3 children, Jerre (Kenny) Mount, Mike (Karen) McLaughlin, and Dean (Becky) McLaughlin. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents, her 2 brothers, Coote and Robert Mulloy and 3 sisters, Frances “Francie” MacGillivray, Mary “Merny” Mulloy, Kathleen “Kathy” Good.
Visitation will be at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home on Monday, July 29th from 1:00 until 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Greg Reed officiating. Interment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to Brookstone Hospice.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.